Richard Barrera led Sonja Shaw in California’s superintendent of public instruction race, according to unofficial results from the California Secretary of State.

As of the time of the state’s 1:48 p.m. update Thursday, Nov. 5, Barrera had 4,021,553 votes, or 57.6%, compared with Shaw’s 2,964,448 votes, or 42.4%. Barrera led by 1,057,105 votes.

All 23,860 precincts were partially reporting. That does not mean every ballot has been counted.

Counting continues. These unofficial totals do not establish a winner, and results remain unofficial until canvassing and certification are complete.

The office is nonpartisan. Barrera is a Democrat and Shaw is a Republican. Two-term incumbent Tony Thurmond could not seek another term because of term limits.

California superintendent results

The following figures appeared in the state’s 1:48 p.m. update Nov. 5:

Candidate

Votes

Percentage

Richard Barrera

4,021,553

57.6%

Sonja Shaw

2,964,448

42.4%

Total

6,986,001

100%

What’s at stake

The winner will take office as California changes how it governs public education.

Legislation Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in July transfers management of the California Department of Education to an appointed education commissioner working under the State Board of Education, according to the governor’s announcement.

The changes take effect in January 2027. The elected superintendent will serve as a voting member of the State Board of Education and the governing boards of California’s three public higher education systems.

Both candidates opposed the restructuring, according to EdSource’s voter guide.

The candidates also differed over school policies affecting LGBTQ+ students. Shaw opposed state policies concerning transgender athletes and restrictions on mandatory parental notification. Barrera supported policies intended to make schools more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students, EdSource reported.

The candidates

Barrera is president of the San Diego Unified School Board. He was first elected in 2008, according to his district biography. The California Department of Education’s directory also lists him as a senior policy adviser.

Shaw was elected to the Chino Valley Unified School Board in 2022 and serves as its president. Before joining the board, she operated fitness and photography businesses, according to her district biography.

What’s next

Counties will continue processing vote-by-mail, provisional and other ballots during the canvass. Totals can change as those ballots are added.

The state results page says results will be certified by Dec. 11.

For statewide contests, voters may request a recount by submitting a signed written request to the Secretary of State within five days beginning on the 31st day after the election, according to the state’s recount guidance.

Readers can follow additional returns on the California Secretary of State’s superintendent results page.